The software update will enable the
device's built in sensors to collect step and distance information, as well as
track the quality of sleep, as well.

However, Pebble is not opting to create its
own health ecosystem, as we've seen from the likes of Apple, Google and even
smaller brands like Runtastic. Instead, Pebble is happy for its sensor tech to
be used in the background, while the collation and analysis is left to the
likes of Misfit, Jawbone and Swim.com.

The existing Misfit for Pebble app has been
updated to allow continuous data tracking and sleep monitoring and Jawbone has
launched its UP app for Pebble, much like the iOS version, which was recently revealed.

Swim.com is also launching an app, which
will enable the Pebble to track distance, pace, strokes, and efficiency while
in the pool.

Price cut

Myriam Joire, evangelist for Pebble, said:
“At Pebble we believe that providing customers with a world-class experience
means working with app partners…that take full advantage of this new
functionality, and Pebble's class-leading multiday battery life."

Pebble is also cutting the price of the
Pebble across the world, with the original version costing £99/$99/€129 and the
Pebble Steel £179/$199/€229.

Aside from Pebble's desire to add more
health tracking data to the Pebble – a symbolic move on the day the Basis Peak
activity tracker was announced – the move also shows the industry beginning to
open up.

With less emphasis on specific hardware,
new battle lines are being drawn about which company you choose to track your
data with, and perhaps a more agnostic wearable future with more emphasis on
individual design preferences lies ahead.